NAPIT Outlines Upcoming Mandatory Electrical Safety Checks

NAPIT’s Group Chief Executive, Mike Andrews, outlines the regulations for mandatory electrical safety checks in the private rented sector that will be coming into force on July 1 2020, and explains the guidance for landlords amidst the Covid-19 pandemic: NAPIT have spent many years campaigning to improve electrical safety standards in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) so we were delighted at the beginning of the year when the draft regulations were laid before parliament to ensure all PRS properties meet minimum electrical safety standards. We now await the regulations coming into force for new tenancies from the 1st July 2020 and for any existing tenancies from April 1 2021 as they have now been debated in the House of Lords and the House of Commons. As the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers, it is particularly satisfying to be instrumental in making a change in this area. The recent publication of the updated Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS), which has introduced minimum technical competence criteria required for carrying out periodic electrical inspection and testing will be a huge support to the electrical safety standards in the private rented sector (England) regulations and enhance industry standards. Despite the challenging times we find ourselves in, with much uncertainty and extreme social distancing measures in place due to Covid-19, the government has issued guidance which makes it clear that landlords are still required to ensure the electrical safety of their properties. However, the government acknowledge the restrictions placed on them under the current situation, and on compliance states: “If a landlord can show they have taken all reasonable steps to comply with their duty under the regulations, they are not in breach of the duty. A landlord could show reasonable steps by keeping copies of all communications they have had with their tenants and with electricians as they tried to arrange the work, including any replies they have had. Landlords may also want to provide other evidence they have that the installation is in a good condition while they attempt to arrange works.” The new regulations require private landlords to ensure their properties are subject to electrical inspection and testing, resulting in a satisfactory report, by a qualified, competent person at intervals not exceeding five years. Local authorities will be responsible for enforcing the new regulations and can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 if they find a landlord is in breach of their duty.  Local authorities also have the power to arrange remedial work to be carried out, with consent from the tenant, if the landlord fails to comply with the remedial notice and then recover the costs from the landlord. The powers that have been given to local authorities to enable effective enforcement are strong and show the government’s commitment to supporting these regulations.  We appreciate that many local authorities are under resource pressure, but the ability to impose fines of up to £30,000, which can be retained by the local authority to support their enforcement activity will be a great support for them.  It is estimated that there are over 4.8 million privately rented properties that will be covered by these regulations, and at least 22% of them do not have a valid electrical safety report.  In addition to increasing demand for electrical installation condition reports expected over the next 18 months, we also envisage a proportion of these properties will require remedial works to ensure the electrical installation within the property is in a satisfactory condition.  We are in the process of adapting our website to make it easier for landlords to find those who have been assessed on site as being competent to undertake electrical inspection and testing in dwellings.  Those registered with NAPIT’s Electrical Inspector Scheme already meet the Inspection and Testing requirements set out in the EAS and we will be actively publicising this list to provide landlords with confidence when instructing an inspector and tester. We will be publishing our own guidance which will explain clearly to landlords how to meet the new regulation, and guidance to our members on how to demonstrate their competence and what Landlords need from them to make this new regulation as easy to understand as possible, given the short timescales between publication and implementation.  Moving forward we know the work here is not over. NAPIT will continue to remain committed to educating the industry and improving electrical safety standards and will focus on making these new regulations as clear for those affected to understand, whilst also pushing for mandatory electrical safety checks in the PRS to be introduced in Wales. 

ESP Has Security Covered At Nursery

Sandhills Nursery in the West Midlands is one of the UK’s largest children’s nurseries and was built as a brand new, bespoke facility in a state-of-the-art building in Lower Penn, Wolverhampton, to cater for up to 200 local children. With a blank canvas to work with, one of the main priorities for the nursery was to get the security provision right and products from ESP’s fire protection and security ranges were specified for installation by local electrical contracting firm Walkers Electrics. With a large, two storey building to work with, there was a need for a broad range of security solutions.  Providing a secure means of entry to the premises was vital and ESP’s Aperta EZTAG3PRO door entry system was chosen due to the ease of installation and operation. It ensures that access to the premises is controlled so that only authorised personnel can enter.  From ESP’s MAGfire Fire Protection range, the Magpro16 addressable 16-zone fire panel was chosen to provide a high quality, durable fire alarm system to protect the whole of the nursery premises. 3W LED emergency downlights and 2W LED exit signs from the Duceri range are providing the required emergency exit signs and lighting provision.  For security within the building itself as well as for the exterior of the premises, the HDView CCTV system was selected.  This offers a professional system which features the latest full High Definition technology to deliver superior image quality.   Patrick Walker has been working in the electrical industry for more than 46 years. He originally trained as an electrician, but has also worked for many years installing fire alarm systems.   "It was great to be able to access all the different products and solutions that we needed from one supplier and know that we are getting quality, reliable products, with an excellent backup service,” says Walker. “What I particularly like is how straightforward and quick to install the various products are. I was able to get some great help from the technical guys at ESP to help with the addressable fire system.  They are a great team to work with.” The new Sandhills nursery offers a welcoming ‘home from home’ environment and allows the children to use their own natural curiosity and energy to help guide their own development.  Among the nursery facilities are Playdough stations, natural open-ended resources, children’s cooking facilities and a reflections room. A library has also been incorporated to help enhance children’s vocabulary, to help them understand how to read and write, but also to allow development of understanding of different topics about the wider world and everyday life.

NAPIT Supports Members Through COVID-19

With the fast evolution of the COVID-19 virus impacting all businesses throughout the UK and the country in lockdown, NAPIT addresses the impact this is having on members and what measures they have put in place to help support them during this time. Many tradespeople, since the coronavirus outbreak hit the UK, have found themselves either not able to work, or not gaining any new work. Some, however, are continuing to work, as the Government have advised to continue carrying out emergency or essential work to ensure our homes and key buildings, such as hospitals, can continue to operative safely. NAPIT is providing support to its members, whether they are still going out to work or are staying home, and have the following support functions available to them during this unprecedented time: Supporting Work: • Members Emergency Work Register - Consumers can use the 'emergency call out' filter to identify those members who are available to carry out emergency works. View the search function here: https://www.napit.org.uk/member-search.aspx • New exclusive service NAPIT Leads - A zero set-up cost solution to drive inbound telephone sales leads. In these difficult times, if members are in a position to take on new emergency enquiries on a cost per lead basis, then NAPIT Leads can help. • Copronet - Members can continue working remotely with their clients and team members by using Copronet. The project management tool allows plans and drawings to be commented on live, as if you are sitting around the same table. NAPIT members can have the Pro Plan free, forever, worth £300+ VAT per annum. Visit https://www.copronet.com/working-with-napit/ Supporting Business: • Fees and renewal support – NAPIT has put a range of options in place to reflect the different circumstances of individual members. • Voicing members concerns – NAPIT has relayed the main issues that members have reported to them in discussions with The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), to take into a wider government review on the impact of COVID-19. • Customer Service - The NAPIT team remains on-hand to talk to over the phone as usual. • NAPIT Desktop & Mobile support - On-hand as always to help with software and app support. Technical Support: • Regular email bulletins – Covering updates on the latest COVID-19 news and technical information available. • Weekly Webinars - Free weekly member exclusive CPD technical webinars with the NAPIT technical team, designed to get members up to speed on all the latest updates and allow them to grow their CPD portfolio. • Accessible technical support – NAPIT’s technical helpline team is dedicated to welcoming any calls of a technical nature as normal. • Competent Person Magazine – Now being distributed to all members digitally straight into their inbox. • Online technical articles and resources – NAPIT is increasing the amount of technical content accessible to members over the coming weeks. • NAPIT Forum – A platform for members to communicate with one another or query the NAPIT Team. Mike Andrews, NAPIT Group Chief Executive, says, “It is an extremely worrying time for everyone. Not only are we faced with health concerns for ourselves and our loved ones, but also for the future of our businesses. NAPIT are doing all that we can to support our members, consumers and the wider industry during this unprecedented time.” If you are entering people’s premises to undertake any work, please follow the Public Health Guidelines on safe working, which is available to view by clicking here.

Animation Provides Guidance For Contractors During Coronavirus Pandemic

The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has issued a new animation that offers clear and practical advice to contractors and occupiers undertaking emergency domestic work. In simple and graphic form, the short film outlines the precautions and operate-at-distance policies which the Forum has issued as guidance in order to provide the maximum protection for both parties from potential COVID-19 transmission. Entitled In This Together, the film is now being rolled out in the wake of the recent Scottish Government instruction for all non-essential work to cease, in order to provide parameters for essential emergencies which may arise. The theme of cooperation also echoes the strategic aims of the Forum itself, which was formed last month (March 2020) in response to the emergency and now has 16 members from across the construction sector pulling together in the interests of the industry as a whole. Anne Vessey, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) and Head of the CICV Forum Communications Sub-Group, said that the new film was open source and was designed to be shared by as many people as possible. “It has become very clear that we will only beat this devastating virus by co-operating, and the different members of the Forum have come together in a remarkable way to support a sector which itself supports so many different trades and skills,” she says. “This short film explains how we can all reduce risk of Coronavirus exposure when necessary emergency work or repairs have to be carried out in the confined spaces of the domestic environment.” The animation advises that contractors: Use the CICV Forum template to communicate and plan work Check that no one in the work site has symptoms, and assure that contractors have no symptoms Stand two metres apart and don’t shake hands Wash hands during and after work, using their own towel Wipe down all tools and instruments.  Ms Vessey said the film also emphasised how homeowners can also play their part by: Opening doors and windows and staying in a separate room Signing work off electronically Using bank transfers, not cash, for payments. The CICV Forum has already acted swiftly to help to end the uncertainty around which construction works can be undertaken and has issued guidance to companies to resolve the conflicting messages from the Scottish and UK Governments. Ms Vessey added: “This film is a further initiative in the Forum’s campaign to provide clarity and transparency to Scotland’s construction firms during the current pandemic emergency.” The Forum now has 16 members, including the electrical contractors’ trade association SELECT, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (Scotland), the Lift and Escalator Industry Association, the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) Scotland, the Scottish Building Federation, the Federation of Master Builders, the Scaffolding Association, the Electrical Distributors’ Association, the Builders Merchants Federation, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, the British Constructional Steelwork Association, SNIPEF, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, the Stone Federation (GB), the EDA and the Scottish Contractors Group.  

CENTIEL Strengthens UK Team

CENTIEL UK has further strengthened its team with the appointment of Aaron Oddy as a new sales engineer, with responsibility for generating new hardware sales enquiries, plus on-site surveys and the management of key accounts. Louis McGarry, sales and marketing director, CENTIEL UK comments, “We are delighted to welcome Aaron to our growing team.  Aaron’s background in the industrial UPS sector will make him well placed to support our sales and marketing effort here at CENTIEL, as we continue to expand in the UK.” Aaron confirms, “CENTIEL occupies a unique position in the market.  It’s industry leading, 4th generation truly modular UPS solutions stand out for their Swiss-built quality and maximum levels of availability and the team are focused on providing trusted advice to clients to ensure critical loads are protected optimally.  I’m now looking forward to be able to provide recommendations and solutions that match the needs of clients across the UK as a key member of the CENTIEL team.” Prior to joining CENTIEL, Aaron worked for Harland Simon UPS Ltd as an industrial sector manager for four years, where he developed his skills and experience in technical sales. As a sector manager, Aaron was responsible for providing key account management and sales support to clients delivering large scale industrial projects.    CENTIEL is a Swiss-based technology company designing, manufacturing and delivering power protection solutions for critical facilities.  Its three phase true modular UPS, CumulusPowerT  known for its ‘9 nines’ (99.9999999%) system availability and low total cost of ownership through its Maximum Efficiency Management (MEM) and low losses of energy, has now been installed in datacenters and comms rooms in over 60 countries across five continents.   More than 50 MW of critical power loads are now protected with CumulusPower in locations across the world including:  the UK, Singapore, Australia, Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic and the Channel Islands.

Gira Unveils New Brand Identity, Remains Open For Business

Gira has unveiled a new brand identity and reassures UK customers that it is still open; the company’s UK technical support team remains available during the global Covid-19 outbreak. With the aim to reaffirm the company’s commitment to safeguarding its UK customers and staff, Gira has put special measures in place so its technical support team can remain available on a remote-basis, from Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm. The Gira supply chain is also business-as-usual, so customers can still place new orders or discuss current sales orders by contacting Gira Germany. The impact of Coronavirus has, and still is, creating an unprecedented level of uncertainty for all, and Gira is taking all possible measures to protect its customers, employees and health worldwide. Gira has a responsibility towards the businesses it serves, working to safeguard and support its network of technology integration and support companies, specialist home integrators and electricians, as well as corporate installers and the electrical retailer, which may or may not have an online presence. With such varied methods of practise, Gira hopes each of its customers will self-govern their own situation, ensuring responsible operation at all costs, which remain in-keeping with official health and work guidelines. In accordance, the entire Gira workforce spanning sales, technical, support, marketing, accounts and returns, are working from home. To ensure the safe receipt and dispatch of goods, and make certain its buildings are secure, Gira has enlisted the absolute minimum number of essential staff to operate from Gira HQ in Germany. In addition, management of all Gira communications, IT and its security infrastructure will be systematically monitored and maintained remotely. All other team members with key-worker status will work in private offices with zero contact to the public. Consequently, the Gira UK offices and training center will temporarily close to ensure the company is working in accordance with the latest UK government recommendations and above all else, protects its staff and customers. Mark Booth, Managing Director Gira UK says, “We want to assure our customers that we will keep them updated about any new products, offers and our next steps as we navigate the unfolding Covid-19 situation together. Our technical support team is hugely experienced and is here to help with any queries, and for added convenience, our office systems will redirect any requests to our UK representatives automatically. This ongoing situation is under strict monitoring and should we have any new company updates, we will let you know. In the meantime, we are only a phone call or email away. “In such uncertain times, it makes me proud to advocate the “Gira Spirit‘, where no matter how critical the situation, everyone is working even harder and closer together to ‘make it work‘. This is deeply ingrained in our company culture and on a personal note, my thoughts and prayers are with those who are most affected at this time“ says Mark. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the NHS and all of the key worker services that are keeping this country going, they are doing an admirable job. To everyone else that is ‘staying at home‘ and applying new social distancing rules, Gira thanks you – it’s the only way we will combat this virus. We are very grateful to everyone who is providing ongoing care and assistance for people in need, especially those in the front line, and for all the support networks which are helping communities to manage life during the lockdown and protect our public health: together we can beat this.“ From March 17 2020 onwards, Gira entered the next phase of evolution by operating with a new, commercially-led brand identity. Developed in conjunction with its Düsseldorf agency ‘thjnk’, this renewed brand vision has been created to provide Gira with a greater level of market appeal, across both trade and consumer audiences. The new presentation will focus on diversity and will work towards a more tangible ‘on and off’ product experience for Gira customers on a global stage. Standing for high quality engineering and intelligent technologies, Gira’s new look will heighten its business approach and embody the virtuous quality of life this company is known for. "We want to make it clear that although we have been 'the ones with the switches' since 1905, we are now much more than that: we have also been 'fire detectors', 'guardians' and of course 'smart home' pioneers since the early 1990s," explains Simone Kulla-Wolinsky, Brand Manager at Gira. "Our solutions are not only used to install intelligent building technology and quality 'Made in Germany', but also carefreeness, well-being, security, creativity and freedom - feelings of life that go far beyond the pure on and off when operating our products and which make us unique.” It is also worth noting how purchasing trends have changed significantly in recent years, with end users no longer solely relying on the recommendations and advice of electrical installers, architects and planners. Instead, self-serving consumers are doing their own research and this has led to an increased appetite for innovative, smart control technology in the modern home. According to Statista, the market volume for the smart home in Germany alone is expected to grow from just under €4.3 billion this year and up to €6.7 billion in 2024. There is therefore great importance for Gira to demonstrate to the market a higher impetus for innovative, future-proof design that will continue to be relevant and inspirational long into the future. In response to this change in buying behaviour and in accordance with its new brand identity, Gira is consciously focusing on a different approach to its partners in the electronics retail and trade sectors, right through to the end user. It has created a selection of custom literature to help convey its new portfolio and brand message like company brochures, product sources, marketing and social media activities, informational websites, active trade fair presentations, a dedicated system integrator partner programme and increased retail visibility. Torben Bayer, Head of Brand Development & Marketing at Gira says, "Buildings are becoming more intelligent thanks to increasing digital networking and the broad use of sensor technology. The Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence are becoming increasingly important for the networked control of smart buildings. When we celebrate our 125th company anniversary at Gira in ten years' time, they will certainly be an integral part of the architecture that no-one in our living and working environment would want to do without any more." Mark concludes, “To be in a position to offer new corporate branding at a time when some are seen to be observing over acting, is a positive sign of our growth and development. Shortly following the announcement of our new UK premises back in February, I am confident this new brand insight will further shape and grow the company’s propensity to serve this thriving intelligent build market: both in the UK and multinationally.”

What Effect Has The Coronavirus Had On The Lighting Industry?

The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) recently surveyed its members to establish the effect of the current lockdown on the lighting industry.  Currently 89% of members reported their business remained open in some form with the most operative functions being sales (95%), dispatch (90%) and accounts (87%).  The average capacity lighting businesses are running at is around 45%. Approximately 44% of staff are currently furloughed and only 4% reported that they had made any redundancies as a direct result of the coronavirus lock down.  Many companies (69%) are reporting difficulties in obtaining raw materials or components with a variety of reasons down to late deliveries, shortage of shipping capacity and slow return to manufacturing capacity in China among the most common.  The LIA also asked if members had attempted to access the various Government support schemes and 47% reported positively, however, many had experienced difficulty owing to the portals not being fully ready or lack of support from banks.  On the subject of credit, 38% reported that their customers had either asked for or had simply taken extended credit with others reporting late payers deducting early payment discounts outside the qualification period.  On a more positive note, 71% of LIA members reported having a recovery plan in place ready for the removal of lockdown measures. The full report can be read here.

Cashflow And Closures Pile On The Agony For Scottish Construction Companies

Cashflow has completely dried up for nearly 80% of firms in the construction industry in Scotland, according to businesses which responded to a major survey carried out by the newly-established Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum. More than half of firms who took part in the new poll also say they’re owed vital monies from public and private sector clients, with invoices now overdue. As a consequence of the current pandemic, more than two-third of all companies who took part in the survey say they’ve furloughed staff, over a third are shut completely, while more than a quarter currently have staff and sub-contractors in self-isolation. The effect of the COVID-19 crisis and the recent Scottish Government instruction for all non-essential work to cease is revealed in the survey, which was carried out on behalf of the CICV Forum between 1 and 14 April. The survey analysed responses from 377 construction companies across Scotland, ranging from electricians, builders and plumbers to surveyors, architects, roofers and joiners.  Among its findings, the poll revealed that:  78.92% of respondents, or 262 firms, said cashflow has stopped. 67.74% of respondents, or 231 firms, have furloughed staff. 36.53% of firms are now closed, while 54.13% are carrying out emergency work only. 56.10% of firms have overdue invoices that were sent directly to public sector clients. 55.42% of firms have overdue invoices that were sent directly to private sector clients. 26.39% of firms have staff and sub-contractors who are currently self-isolating 33.13% of firms say they are finding it difficult to source appropriate materials John McKinney, Secretary of Forum members the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the Stone Federation and the Scottish Contractors Group, says, “These disturbing results illustrate very clearly that the construction sector in Scotland is being hard hit, despite the measures that have been put in place to alleviate the pain. It is clearly incumbent on all branches of government and public bodies to step up efforts to expedite payments under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme announced by the Chancellor in March. However, there is a danger that even this may be too late for many firms, especially smaller enterprises. The same urgency is required for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which needs to be fast-tracked. Nearly half of companies which have applied have found the process cumbersome and difficult.” The online survey also gathered feedback from respondents, who painted an increasingly bleak picture of the current construction landscape. One respondent adds, “Cashflow is a major concern; we will only last a maximum of six weeks if government funding or bank loans don’t come through. We will then have to start making staff redundant.” Another contractor voiced his frustration at those businesses still ignoring the lockdown, saying, “I’d like to see a clampdown across the whole industry, with penalties enforced on those flouting government instructions.” Respondents also called for better information from the UK and Scottish Governments, with requests for greater clarity over both what work can be carried out and the financial and commercial implications of the virus. One contractor said: “What about when it’s all over – how heavily are we going to be penalised financially through tax and VAT? The mixed messages from both governments have made things very difficult to understand.” Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of Forum member the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), echoed the industry’s frustrations. “Small construction sector companies are taking the brunt of the shutdown at the moment and many simply do not have the resources to sustain a long period of inactivity. As the CICV Forum survey shows, cash flow is a major issue and fast-tracking of financial support from government will be crucial as this crisis develops.” The analysis of how businesses are coping – or not coping – is the latest initiative by the group, which is made up of respected construction industry bodies including the professions, and which was formed as a direct response to the epidemic emergency. The CICV Forum has already acted swiftly to help to end the uncertainty around which construction works can be undertaken and has issued guidance to companies to resolve the conflicting messages from the Scottish and UK Governments. The body, which was set up two weeks ago, now has 16 members, including the electrical contractors’ trade association SELECT, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (Scotland), the Lift and Escalator Industry Association, the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) Scotland, the Scottish Building Federation, the Federation of Master Builders, the Scaffolding Association, the Electrical Distributors’ Association, the Builders Merchants Federation, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, the British Constructional Steelwork Association, SNIPEF, NFRC, the Stone Federation and the Scottish Contractors Group.

Arnie Humphreys Named JTL’s MES Apprentice Of the Year In London

JTL has named Romford-based Arnie Humphreys as its Mechanical Engineering Services (MES) Apprentice of the Year in the London region. Arnie’s victory was announced following a successful apprenticeship with London based firm Spie Limited.  He was recognised by his training officer for his progress both academically and practically, and has been awarded with a £100 cheque and glass trophy. Arnie has also now been shortlisted to represent London against three other regional MES winners at JTL’s National Awards, which will take place in Autumn. JTL Plumbing Assessor and Training Officer, Mark Brown, says, “I believe Arnie is an extremely deserving winner of this award because of his undoubtable commitment to the course. He has consistently demonstrated an outstanding level of maturity, as well as an undoubtable understanding of the learning, NVQ and industry requirements, which has been a pleasure to witness as his assessor.  “Arnie also deserves to be recognised for his great leadership qualities, which I’m sure will benefit him greatly in his future projects. His willingness to help others, along with his authoritative yet patient nature assures me he will move into a supervisory role, or complete a higher qualification, which is achievable due to his much earned aptitude and backing from his employer.” Arnie, who currently holds a 6129 Level 3 with Solar, comments, “I am extremely grateful to my JTL assessor for nominating me for this award, it is the perfect way to end such an enjoyable and incredibly beneficial experience. I always knew I had an interest in this sector, but had no idea of the doors an apprenticeship could open for me. I am also proud to have been given so many responsibilities by my employer, who has allowed me to learn on the job and really improve my standards of work. I am hoping to progress with them even further now my course has finished.’’ The award scheme – which is now in its fifth year – sees each finalist assessed against four key elements which make up the apprenticeship framework – their practical work onsite, theoretical knowledge, key skills and industrial test scores.   

Callan Baker Named JTL’s Electrical Apprentice Of The Year In London

JTL has named Middlesex-based Callan Baker as its Electrical Apprentice of the Year in the London region. Callan’s victory was announced following a successful apprenticeship with London based firm, TClarke PLC.  He was recognised by his training officer for his progress both academically and practically, and has been awarded with a £100 cheque and glass trophy. Callan has also now been shortlisted to represent London against seven other regional electrical winners at JTL’s National Awards, which will take place in Autumn. JTL electrical Training Officer, Kevin Cleverley, comments, "Since the very first day of his apprenticeship, Callan has been totally committed to achieving his NVQ, and has always been eager to progress in an efficient and mature manner. He has an extremely mature and diplomatic nature when dealing with his colleagues and employer, and I know this has allowed him to form extremely positive relationships in the workplace. "Not only has Callan consistently completed his work with impeccable quality over the past four years, he is also one of the politest people I have ever had the pleasure of working with during my employment with JTL. His organisation, impeccable manners and fantastic attitude and understanding towards health and safety make him a credit to JTL and an invaluable member of his team.’’  Callan, who currently holds an NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment, amongst other qualifications, says, "I would recommend an apprenticeship to any young person who is looking for a stable career which will allow them to progress, and if you are willing and eager to learn, then you will be successful. I started my career as an electrical apprentice at Victoria Station Upgrade, which was an incredible project to learn my trade and progress into the current position of a junior engineer.  “Currently I am undertaking my HNC in Building Services Engineering at London Southbank University to develop my skills and understand different engineering principles on top of my electrical background. I am so grateful to my JTL tutor for this award and really excited for my next project.” The award scheme – which is now in its fifth year – sees each finalist assessed against four key elements which make up the apprenticeship framework – their practical work onsite, theoretical knowledge, key skills and industrial test scores.